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Somalia's Appeal for Continued Global Support Amid Al-Shabaab Challenges MOGADISHU, Somalia - Striving for stability after decades of turmoil, Somalia continues to echo its need for sustained international aid. The ravages of civil war still linger, exacerbated by the looming threats of Al-Shabaab and ISIS in the northern territories. How does a nation rebuild amidst such adversity? Ali Mohamed Omar, the articulate Minister of State and International Cooperation, highlighted the necessity for support to ensure a smooth…

AU Plans Troop Surge for Somalia to Counter Al-Shabaab Advances MOGADISHU, Somalia - In a recent gathering of defense and foreign ministers in Kampala, the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) is poised for a troop increase. This decision follows a collective plea from Troop Contributing Countries. Somalia's security landscape remains precarious, with militants exerting control over extensive parts of the nation's central and southern regions. The Kampala meeting included delegates from…

Somali Army's Potential in Tackling Threats: A Deep Dive MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somalia stands at a pivotal moment in its history, where potential and ambition converge with unprecedented challenges. The Somali National Army (SNA) is, according to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), ready to bear the mantle of safeguarding the nation. As we mark the 65th anniversary of the SNA, there's an air of hopeful anticipation mixed with a solemn remembrance of a tumultuous past. Can this…

In a recent announcement, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his intent to respond with undefined trade actions if U.S. President Donald Trump moves forward with new auto tariffs. These tariffs have not only escalated a global trade war but have also severely impacted stock markets. Last night, President Trump introduced a 25% tariff on imported vehicles, igniting international backlash and promises of retaliation from U.S. allies. Such measures have drawn considerable criticism, highlighting concerns over their…

Security Cameras in Somalia: Deterrence or Danger? MOGADISHU, Somalia - In a strategic move to counter al Shabaab's persistent threat, thousands of security cameras have sprouted across Somalia's bustling capital. This initiative aims to keep a vigilant eye on the city's pulse, offering a sense of security to its residents. Yet, for business owners, the presence of these cameras also fans the flames of anxiety due to fears of potential retaliation. Launched by the local government, the CCTV network has empowered authorities…

In the spotlight, we see prominent figures like Egypt's el-Sisi, Somalia's Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Eritrea's Isaias Afwerki, accompanied by former Somali leader Farmaajo and Ethiopia's Abiy Ahmed. In recent happenings in Mogadishu (AX), a fresh alliance has been brewed between Somalia, Eritrea, and Egypt. This unexpected coalition marks a significant turning point in the state of affairs in the Horn of Africa. The pact, unveiled during a gathering in Asmara, brings Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Eritrean leader…

Turning up in Mogadishu, Somalia's Foreign Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi gets a warm welcome after returning from the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Mogadishu (AX) — Just back from the international spotlight, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, Somalia's Foreign Minister, recently chewed the fat with Egyptian and Eritrean counterparts, focusing on what Somalia says are ongoing invasions by Ethiopia into its turf. Both Egypt and Eritrea threw their weight behind Somalia, lambasting Ethiopia for actions that jeopardize Somalia's…

The rift between Egypt and Ethiopia has hit a boiling point recently. The discord stems back to 2011, when Ethiopia began building the Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Blue Nile, igniting Egypt's fears over its water and food security. Recently, tensions heightened further following Egypt's rapprochement with Ethiopia’s foe, Somalia. On August 27, Egypt dispatched two C-130 military aircraft brimming with weapons and ammunition to Mogadishu. This marked Egypt’s first military aid to Somalia in over four…

US General: Afghans need US troops to counter the Taliban Afghanistan's military forces need US assistance to successfully counter the Taliban, the top general of the US Special Operations Command said to Congress on Thursday in the midst of the debate over whether US forces should remain in the country beyond May 1. General Richard Clarke also reiterated the sentiments of other…